I love this recipe because it’s simple, fast, and delivers so much taste with minimal effort. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a smoky, slightly spicy kick, while the vegetables roast to tender perfection. It’s a great all-in-one meal that’s healthy yet satisfying. I also love that cleanup is so easy — I just toss everything in the air fryer basket, give it a shake halfway through, and dinner is done in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
650 g (1.4 lb) Chicken breast, Diced | Approx 4 breasts 2 tsp Cajun spice mix, See notes 2 Green peppers, Deseeded and cut into 2cm cubes 4 Celery sticks, Cut into small chunks 1 Brown onion, Peeled and cut into 2cm cubes 1 tbsp Sunflower oil
Directions
I start by dicing the chicken breasts into even-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. Then I prepare the vegetables — chopping the peppers, celery, and onion into roughly 2cm cubes. I add everything into the air fryer basket or tray, drizzle over the sunflower oil, and sprinkle with the Cajun spice mix. I give everything a good stir to make sure the seasoning coats the chicken and vegetables well.
I set the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously halfway through to make sure everything cooks evenly. I check that the chicken is cooked through — juicy on the inside and lightly golden on the outside. If there’s any liquid at the bottom, I sometimes spoon it over the traybake for extra flavor or discard it if I prefer a drier finish.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes just 27 minutes in total — 2 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.
Variations
Sometimes I like to mix up the vegetables — red or yellow peppers add a pop of color, and I often throw in courgette, cherry tomatoes, or sweetcorn for extra sweetness. For a heartier meal, I serve the traybake over rice, couscous, or quinoa. If I want to tone down the spice, I use half the amount of Cajun seasoning or mix it with a little paprika. For something richer, I drizzle a bit of garlic mayo or yogurt sauce on top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 180°C (350°F) or microwave for 2 minutes until heated through. The chicken stays juicy, and the vegetables keep a nice bit of texture. It’s also great cold the next day as a salad topping or wrapped in a tortilla.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy — they just might need a few more minutes to cook.
How spicy is this dish?
That depends on the Cajun mix I use. Some are mild, while others are quite fiery. I start with less and add more if I want more heat.
Can I use frozen chicken or vegetables?
Yes, but I make sure to thaw the chicken fully before cooking. Frozen vegetables can be used, though they may release a bit more liquid.
What if my air fryer has a slotted base?
I remove the base if possible, or line it with an air fryer-safe tray or liner to catch the juices.
Can I make this without oil?
Yes, I can, but a small amount of oil helps the seasoning stick and gives a better texture.
What can I serve with it?
I love it with rice, couscous, or even a simple green salad for a lighter meal.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, I replace the chicken with tofu, halloumi, or extra vegetables for a meat-free version.
Do I need to marinate the chicken first?
Not at all — the seasoning cooks beautifully right in the air fryer. But if I have time, a quick 30-minute marinate adds even more flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but I cook it in batches to make sure everything roasts properly rather than steaming.
How do I make it less spicy for kids?
I use half the Cajun mix or substitute with mild paprika and a pinch of garlic powder.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Traybake is one of my favorite quick and healthy dinners. It’s flavorful, colorful, and ready in under 30 minutes with hardly any cleanup. I love how the chicken turns out perfectly tender and the vegetables get that slight char from the air fryer. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe I come back to again and again when I want something delicious and effortless.
This Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Traybake is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal made with juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and bold Cajun spices. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fuss-free family dinner.
Ingredients
650 g (1.4 lb) chicken breast, diced (approx. 4 breasts)
2 tsp Cajun spice mix
2 green peppers, deseeded and cut into 2 cm cubes
4 celery sticks, cut into small chunks
1 brown onion, peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes
1 tbsp sunflower oil
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
Dice the chicken into even-sized pieces and chop the peppers, celery, and onion into 2 cm cubes.
Add the chicken and vegetables to the air fryer basket or tray.
Drizzle over sunflower oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Stir or toss to coat everything evenly.
Air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Check the chicken is cooked through (juicy inside, golden outside). Spoon any flavorful juices over the traybake or discard for a drier finish.
Serve hot, optionally with rice, couscous, or salad.
Notes
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier result.
Mix up the vegetables — try red or yellow peppers, courgette, or cherry tomatoes.
For less spice, use half the Cajun mix or combine with paprika.
Top with garlic mayo or yogurt sauce for a creamy finish.
Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in the fridge and can be reheated in the air fryer or microwave.
